Fiscal Year 2026 National Incident Management System (NIMS)

The National Incident Management System Cooperative Agreement is administered by the Department of Homeland Security through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This funding opportunity is part of a broader federal effort to strengthen national preparedness, resilience, and coordinated disaster response capabilities. The program specifically supports the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a congressionally ratified mutual aid agreement that enables states to provide assistance to one another during declared emergencies. FEMA’s role in administering this program reflects its mandate to enhance nationwide disaster coordination and ensure that state and local governments can effectively respond to a wide range of hazards. The primary purpose of this cooperative agreement is to sustain, maintain, and enhance the operational capabilities of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The program addresses gaps in funding that can hinder rapid deployment and coordination during emergencies. It aims to improve interconnectivity between federal and non federal partners, ensuring that resources, personnel, and information can be mobilized efficiently across jurisdictions. This aligns with broader federal strategic priorities related to building a resilient nation and strengthening the readiness of first responders. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support activities that improve coordination, training, and operational readiness associated with interstate emergency response. Allowable uses of funds include maintaining operational infrastructure, enhancing communication systems, supporting training initiatives, and improving coordination mechanisms among member states. The program is designed to ensure that emergency management systems function cohesively during crises, reducing fragmentation and delays in response efforts. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which lowers the financial barrier for eligible applicants and emphasizes federal support for this critical national capability. Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to state governments. This reflects the structure of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, which is a state driven mutual aid system. While only one award is expected to be made, the selected recipient will play a central role in supporting nationwide coordination among participating states. The program does not extend eligibility to local governments, nonprofits, or private entities, reinforcing its focus on state level emergency management infrastructure. The application process is conducted through federal grant systems, and applicants must submit their proposals by the specified deadline. The opportunity was posted in mid July and remains open until late August, providing a defined window for submission. Applicants are expected to provide detailed information about how they will support EMAC operations, including plans for coordination, training, and system improvements. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed in the summary, proposals are likely assessed based on alignment with program objectives, capacity to manage funds, and demonstrated ability to enhance national emergency response coordination. The timeline for this opportunity includes a posting date in July and a closing date in August, with awards expected to follow the federal review process timeline. As a federal cooperative agreement, the program involves ongoing collaboration between FEMA and the recipient throughout the performance period. Interested applicants can contact the FEMA GO Help Desk for assistance with accessing application materials or resolving technical issues. This program does not indicate a recurring cycle, suggesting that future funding opportunities may depend on federal appropriations and program priorities.